Presentation Information

When Transgender Men Chestfeed or Breastfeed their Babies: How Clinicians Can Offer Support

• Speaker: Joy Noel-Weiss , RN, IBCLC, PhD
• Speaker: Trevor MacDonald ,
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

Transmasculine individuals are labelled as female at birth, but they identify and transition to the masculine side of the gender spectrum later in life. Many transmasculine individuals take testosterone to develop a deeper voice, a male distribution of body fat and muscle mass, and male patterns of hair growth. Some individuals opt for sex reassignment surgeries which might include chest contouring surgery, hysterectomy, and/or phalloplasty. Transmasculine individuals who have not had a hysterectomy are in a unique position – they identify as male, but they can choose to become pregnant. We completed a qualitative research study to explore their experiences with pregnancy, birth, and breast or chest feeding. The aim of this presentation is to share the results of the study regarding the participants’ experiences with feeding their babies and to provide practical information about working with lactating transgender clients and patients.